Port Canaveral to Get New Multi-Purpose Cargo Berth

Florida’s Port Canaveral has received a green light for the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo berth from the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners.

The commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with building a new North Cargo Berth 8 (NCB8) to accommodate a growing cargo portfolio that includes commercial spacecraft components.

With a 900-foot seawall and planned 100-foot pier extension, the berth will be capable of handling 850-foot ships. It will be constructed with a 2,000 lbs. per-square-foot capacity and dredged to a depth of -35 ft (MLLW).

Under a USD 17.9 million dollar contract, Florida-based Orion Marine Group of Tampa will undertake the construction of the bulkhead and seawall, relieving platform and dredging.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2018 with a scheduled completion of the entire project targeted for mid-2019.

“We are experiencing the highest demand for bulkhead space in the history of our port. Prudent development of cargo sites to maximize their use is critically important to meet the growing needs of today, while building our capabilities for the future,” Captain John Murray, port CEO, said.

“This new multi-purpose berth will enhance our ability to manage cargo opportunities being driven by the rapid economic growth in Central Florida,” Murray added.